2004 Volvo XC90 from North America - Comments

Water damage from a defective water valve.

Transmission went at 60,000 miles.

My husband ordered my 2004 Volvo XC90 from Sweden in 2003. It was delivered during the summer of 2003. I have had several major problems with the truck starting with water damage as a result of a faulty duct system back in 2005. My truck had a terrible mildew odor. The entire bottom of the truck was flooded and took two weeks to dry out and fix. Luckily it was still under warranty. Since that time, whenever it rains, I get that same awful mildew smell.

About two months ago, my transmission light came on and about a month ago, it started to slip. Now I am in need of a new transmission. My car is no longer under warranty and Volvo gave me a quote of $6,000 to fix.

I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I have been the owner of two Honda's and two Toyota's all purchased certified pre-owned and never had as many problems as I’ve had with my brand new XC90.

After reading so many comments about the XC90 transmission issues, this is definitely grounds for a class action law suit. There should have been some sort of recall.

Let get a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT started.

As I stated in a previous comment on a newer Volvo, I am not remotely impressed with Volvo's quality. After driving Lincolns since 1984 my elderly mom switched to Volvo in 2006. The car rides rougher, performs worse and has a lower build quality than our 7 year old GM car, and is way below the quality of our 2007 Ford. Unlike Jaguar, which seemed to become a far BETTER vehicle after being taken over by Ford, Volvo seems to have made a 180 degree turn in the opposite direction.

We also purchased a used 2003 Volvo XC90 a year ago, and things immediately began to go wrong, but now at a little over the 100,000 mark the transmission has gone out and the Volvo dealer is quoting a price of $7,000.00 to repair so it is currently sitting on their lot. A class actions sounds great, we definitely can't afford the repairs that seems to be a result of manufacturers error. Where do we start?

We purchased a 2004 Volvo XC90, and after a half year, we have some problems with transmission. Now, we have the car since 2004 and have the third transmission inside.

Do you have start some class actions? I'm very angry about the manufacturer and their approach with their customers.

I have been considering a XC90 with 37000 miles but, since I have read your comments about the Volvo, transmission I am very worried. The sales men tell me to worry because it was only in the 03, 04, 05 models. I also called the warranty department and they said that at 100,000 miles, I should sell.

1/08/09

I just took my 2004 Volvo XC90 into the dealership because of the "Transmission Service Required" light. They called today and told me that it was going to run $4,400. They also told me that other things would eventually need to be addressed. As a single mom of 2 children, I wanted to cry. I just purchased this car 6 months ago. After doing more research on-line, I noticed that numerous people have the same problem. I called and spoke with Helen at Volvo. She told me that they have had numerous problems with the transmission. She was going to call the dealer and see if they couldn't take care of the costs. I haven't heard back from her, but wanted to let you know. Hopefully, I will hear good news.

I see a lot of people have problems with their XC90 transmission. I am on of them. How can we go about starting a lawsuit to hold them responsible for such a major defect? I have really had it with my XC90 and the expensive repair costs.

We purchased a used Volvo XC 90 and immediately began having issues. we have owned a Ford Expedition and put over 225000 miles on it without the first major problem. This Volvo has had Noises, Air Conditioning issues and transmission had to be replaced to the tune of $4000. Only got it for 4 because a friend who is an ASE Master Technician did the work for me. My wife is in tears because she feels stuck in the vehicle after having to borrow another 4 grand to fix the transmission. I called Volvo and was not happy with their response. I wish someone would institute a lawsuit. I would gladly participate.

I purchased a 2004 Volvo XC90 about two years ago. The vehicle as been in and out of the shop approximately eight times. I had a new transmission put in about two months ago. ($6500.00) Now the air conditioner has gone out. I'm feed up with this car. The trade-in and resale value is way below the national average.

Today my wife's 2004 XC90 was towed to the dealership for the Urgent Transmission service light. The car was towed because the last two times I got the light I had to have the transmission replaced. We our on our third transmission and only have 103,000 miles on the vehicle. I have owned four other Volvos and they have been great cars, but this one takes the cake.

I bought a brand new Volvo XC90 on April 2004. The transmission went out on January 2007 after only 35,000 miles. Luckily it was still under warranty. A few months ago a strong gasoline odor began to surround the car. It permeate into the cabin. The smell was so strong I had to park it outside the garage. After taking it to the dealer, I was told the fuel pump would have to be replaced at a tune of $1,100. Also, I've had problems with the air conditioning (smells bad), the brakes, engine oil leaks, premature tire ware.

All of these on a car with only 60,000 miles.

The gas problem is a serious safety issue. My family and I are subjected to gas fumes every time we ride the car. Volvo should seriously look into this problem before the lawsuits begin to pile up. For a $48,000 car you'd expect above-average quality, safety and resale value. We've got none of that with this car.

It is a shame, given Volvo's reputation as safe reliable cars, that they are turning a deaf ear on a problem that could potentially bring their company down.

"It is a shame, given Volvo's reputation as safe reliable cars, that they are turning a deaf ear on a problem that could potentially bring their company down."

Volvo USED to be that way. Then Ford bought them out and inevitably ruined their good name by putting sub-par quality parts into Volvo vehicles. Ford will be the demise of Volvo. Not Volvo itself.

My wife and I purchased 4 Volvos. We owned a S40, S60, S80 and XC-70. All of them had issues with the check engine light. The XC-70 takes the cake, we spent so much money, we finally became tired of it and sold it for not much. Volvo are overpriced with a poor customer service. The are far from being reliable, safe and enjoyable to own. I WILL NEVER BUY VOLVO AGAIN. I purchased a 2005 Mercedes C240 4matic and am extremely please with it. I have been driving it for 2 years without any problem except regular maintenance.

BUYER BEWARE, VOLVO IS NOT FOR LIFE.